An Optical to Hydraulic Interface

Optical activation of fluidic devices provides an alternative to electrical controls offering immunity to electromagnetic interference and potential weight savings. An optical-to-mechanical signal converter known as an opto-fluidic interface (OFI) was previously developed, and operated, as a pneumatic device. The OFI, which is a modified fluidic laminar proportional amplifier, employs laser-induced deflection of the power supply jet to implement the opto-mechanical signal conversion process. The opto-hydraulic interface (OHI) uses the same operating principle as the OFI except the operating fluid is 5606 hydraulic oil. The opto-hydraulic gain was measured to be 44 kPa per watt of input optical power. Additionally, a bandwidth of 145 Hz was obtainable using an operating pressure of 690 kPa (100 psi).